Politically Erect

Artist of the Week

Artist of the Week

February 19, 2008|JENNIFER ELLIS five7four.com

In a band with all of its members over the age of 30, it may come as a surprise that they love to play for a younger crowd. Although they love to play for people of all ages, Politically Erect's Paul Zulas said they especially love to play for "the high school age kids" because "they're the greatest fans!" Typically, the band plays concert-type shows and can be seen from time to time at Cheers, an over 21 night club. With the release of their latest album however, Politically Erect will be performing in coffee shops and at other locations which are open to people of all ages. In an e-mail interview, Politically Erect answered these questions: Jenny: How did you come up with your name? Paul: The band concept in it's original form was created by me Larry about five years ago. We were writing parody songs and decided on Politically Erect as a reference to the television show Politically Correct with Bill Maher. The television show was a celebrity forum in which topics of the day were discussed. We were just really getting sick of everyone trying so hard to be PC and not saying what we thought was really on their mind. This is part of what Politically Erect is about. It's not always about politics, but we are about saying what we feel in a free society without trying to be hateful or malicious. Jenny: What made you decide to get into the music industry? Paul: My mother is a musician so it's in my blood. I was born with an overwhelming urge for music and it's never ceased. Larry: I was encouraged by friends of mine to get involved with rock bands when I was in my early 20s and I fell in love with performing. I guess I just have a natural love for the art. Jenny: Who are some of your biggest influences? Paul: I grew up on The Beatles. I also love Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix and really all the blues based rock guitarists because that is where my roots are. Larry: I always liked Neil Young and The Allman Brothers Band. Jenny: What's the hardest thing about being in a band? Larry: I don't think most people realize how much work it is.... with the band and on your own. You write and rehearse together, but away from the band you have to improve your skills on your own. Not to mention studio sessions are extremely time consuming and stressful. Jenny: What is the best part? Both: THE FANS!! Paul: Man, we are so blessed! Our MySpace has been doing real well and the gigs have been really good. We all feel like we really have something here. If nothing else, we can look each other in the eye during a set and know we are on the right track. Larry: And the young people.... we really didn't expect support from the young people so much. We really love the young fans, say from 12 to 19. They are so full of life and it's an honor to have them come up to us and look up to us. There's nothing greater than that! Jenny: What are your musical goals for the future? Larry: We want to see "Condom Nation" do well and we are already working on writing and rehearsing material for our 2nd release. We just want to make music and love doing so. Jenny: What would be your advice to other people who would like to get into the music business and/or start their own band? Paul: Keep your day job! For real, the industry is not coming to you. Your record sales, if extremely high, MIGHT get their attention. So you really must love music for the sake of music. Larry: And practice, practice, practice! You have to devote your life to music. If you don't, you will fall short.